Page 33 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Growing Up: A No-Nonsense Guide to Puberty and Adolescence

FEM ALE HORMONES 31

Primary female sex hormones Shared hormones

The two primary female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. The Oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are
changing level of each of these hormones prompts sexual characteristics to present in both females and males, but in vastly
develop during puberty and regulates the menstrual cycle. different amounts. Throughout their lives females
continue to produce low levels of testosterone
Egg and males produce some oestrogen and
Oestrogen released Progesterone progesterone. In females, testosterone is linked
to maintaining bone and muscle mass, and
contributes to the sex drive. In males, oestrogen
controls body fat and contributes to the sex
drive, while progesterone monitors testosterone
production. Hormone levels differ between
people and change over a lifetime.
Day 1 Day 6 Day 14 Day 28

Oestrogen
Oestrogen is the main female sex hormone at work during puberty. It causes
the ovaries to produce eggs and prepare them for the possibility of sexual
reproduction. During puberty, oestrogen is responsible for promoting the
development of sexual characteristics, such as breasts and pubic hair. After
puberty, it regulates the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone
Progesterone is present in female and male children at low levels. In females, Oestrogen and progesterone
progesterone comes into effect at the start of the first period. It builds and Testosterone
maintains the lining of the uterus, ready to receive an egg if it’s fertilized. If
the egg isn’t fertilized, progesterone levels drop dramatically, causing the △ Hormone levels
lining of the uterus to be shed during a period. Females produce twice as much oestrogen and
progesterone as males, but ten times less testosterone.

Other hormones

Hormones don’t just prompt the start of puberty and the development of sexual
characteristics. There are lots of different types at work in everybody, regardless of
sex, that control and coordinate many bodily functions to keep the body healthy.

Maintaining a Managing food processes Coping with stress
healthy body • Leptin regulates the appetite by • Adrenaline raises the heart rate and
• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) keeps making the body feel full after eating. produces energy when a person is
the body’s water levels balanced. • Gastrin triggers gastric acid in the under stress.
• Melatonin allows the body to sleep at stomach, which breaks down food. • Cortisol manages the brain’s use
night and stay awake during the day. • Insulin and glucagon control how of sugars, providing more energy.
• Thyroxine determines how quickly or much sugar is released into the blood • Oxytocin enables bonds with other
slowly the body metabolizes food. after eating. people by reducing fear and creating
feelings of trust.

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